Ex-Romblon gov faces graft charge over P4.8-M fertilizer contract

Former Romblon governor Eleandro Madrona is facing a graft charge before the Sandiganbayan over an alleged anomalous procurement of liquid organic fertilizer in 2004.

Based on the charge sheet, Madrona took advantage of his post when he acted with "manifest partiality, evident bad faith, or gross inexcusable negligence" in awarding a P4.8-million contract to Feshan Philippines for the purchase of 3,333 bottles of Bio Nature fertilizer.

The Ombudsman alleged that Madrona and his co-accused in the case gave "unwarranted benefits, privilege and advantage" to Feshan since the contract did not go through a public bidding, a violation of the government's rules on procurement.

Other respondets in the case were former provincial officials Geishler Fiedacan Fabri, Ruby Fababeir, Joel Angcaco Sy, Anthony Rugas, and Oscar Placito Galos.

Feshan representative Elisa Morales was also named as a private respondent in the case.

A P30,000 bail bond was recommended for each of the accused. —ALG, GMA News